Bold star comes out

Bold and the Beautiful star Joanna Johnson has come out as a lesbian in an interview and revealed she is married to Los Angeles club promoter Michelle Agnew.

The 50-year-old actress has been a regular on the daytime television program since 1987 and is currently playing the character of ‘Karen’ who happens to be in an onscreen same-sex relationship with ‘Dani’, played by Crystal Chappell.

In the interview Johnson said she didn’t disclose her sexuality fearing there would be negative repercussions to her career for doing so.

“Daytime is a whole different world than prime time or theater or film. There's a greater intimacy between the viewers and the characters,” she said.

“They think you are your character and that creates a lot of fear, fear of rejection.”

Johnson said a lot has changed since she first discovered her sexuality which has now allowed her to open up to the public.

"When I realised I was gay in my early twenties we didn't have role models like Ellen,” she said.

“I'm not anywhere near as famous as those ladies, but I guess it's my turn to do my little part. It's time to live a fully authentic life.

“When Ellen came out she took a big hit. It certainly hurt her career as an actress ... I really admire the courage of people who have been out and noisy. I had to struggle to become proud."

Johnson added that she hopes the fans will react positively to the news that she is a lesbian.

“I would be very sad and hurt if the B&B fans were disappointed I'm a lesbian, or somehow feel betrayed that I kept it secret,” she said.

"I'm here. I'm queer. And I'm just getting used to it."

Johnson and Agnew married in 2008 and have since had two children together.